By Julia Patricia Y. Bisquera | January 29, 2025
By Julia Patricia Y. Bisquera | January 29, 2025
WHO wouldn’t want to be the luckiest person this Chinese New Year? As 2025 begins, Filipinos eagerly welcome traditions that promise prosperity and good fortune. The enduring passed-down traditions of the Chinese New Year have lasted to this day and even seeped into Filipino culture. Luck or swerte, as Filipino people would wishfully put it, brings a sense of hope and possibility to the start of a fresh year.
These special objects, symbols, customs, and traditions can create an environment that keeps us away from illness or misfortune. Let us dive in and learn some of the Chinese symbols and practices that have made their way into Filipino culture.
Demystifying lucky symbols
The alluring yet mysterious practice of feng shui is one wherein objects and space are manipulated to create “balance,” which helps achieve prosperity and peace. Some examples include placing mirrors in front of our beds, as it is believed to cause poor sleep and bad dreams. It is also believed that putting a clock in the dining room can be a sign that food and abundance are running out soon.
The Lucky Cat and Koi fish are quintessential symbols of Chinese culture. The Lucky Cat, with its raised paw and adorned, bejeweled body, is believed to attract good fortune and health. Meanwhile, the Koi fish or carp is believed to bring in wealth and is placed either in the north or southeast of a home. It is said that it is the most strategic location to stimulate wealth.
Additionally, the color red is highly regarded for attracting good fortune. When paired with black, it forms an auspicious combination believed to attract prosperity, success, and luck into one’s life.
Traditions close to Filipino hearts
Filipinos’ family gatherings and the tradition of honoring the elderly extend beyond just one holiday. In both Filipino and Chinese cultures, it is common for children to look forward to receiving precious ang pao (red envelopes). Moreover, the lion and dragon dances, often performed at local malls, are a significant part of Chinese tradition. The lion represents strength, superiority, and stability, while the dragon represents boldness, power, and excellence.
Naturally, the Chinese New Year wouldn’t be complete without fireworks, which are believed to ward off evil spirits as we usher in the new year. For Filipino readers, these traditions may evoke a sense of nostalgia, reflecting how Chinese practices have become intertwined with Filipino culture.
Chinese traditions are admirable for their enduring legacy, with their culture being passed down from generation to generation. By knowing more about Chinese culture, we gain a deeper understanding of our own, especially the significant aspects that Filipino culture has embraced. While some may say we must create our own luck, who wouldn’t want to be the luckiest person this Chinese New Year?
Volume 30 | Issue 3